HIDDEN CAPACITY
Most greenhouse production happens on a single level. The volume above the crop remains largely unused.
We help turn that unused space into productive growing capacity.
Up to 10x
more productive growing
YOUR BENEFITS
Every operation is different. Together, we can identify where the greatest potential lies for your business.
THE SYSTEM
Most vertical farming concepts require new facilities and rely entirely on artificial lighting and climate control.
Our modular system is installed inside existing greenhouses or polytunnels and uses natural sunlight as its primary energy source.
The structural difference is what makes the economics work.
| Vertical Farming | FrugalTec | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Indoor Facility | Greenhouse Retrofit |
| Light Source | 100% Artificial (LED) | Primarily Natural Sunlight |
| Climate Control | Fully Artificial Control | Greenhouse-System |
| Energy Costs | High | Significantly Lower |
| Adoption Risk | High | Modular and Scalable |
Same Infrastructure - More Production - Better Economics
SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
MODULARITY
Modular towers are integrated into a closed-loop growing system within the existing greenhouse structure. Tower height and plant spacing are adapted to the crop and greenhouse environment.
The system scales from a single module to the full productive potential of the facility.
PLANT-TO-HUMAN WORKFLOW
Planting, inspection, treatment and harvesting take place at a single workstation. The plants move to people — not the other way around.
Fewer movements. Greater efficiency. Better process control.
The centralised workflow is designed for gradual automation as operational needs evolve.
SMART-FARMING
Sensors continuously monitor water, nutrients, light and plant health. Supplemental lighting adjusts dynamically, adding only the light required beyond what is provided by natural sunlight.
The system is designed to support growers with data-driven insights and actionable recommendations.
The SMART Farming system is part of the development roadmap and will be introduced step by step.
ECONOMIC LOGIC
Your greenhouse already carries fixed costs for operations, climate control, irrigation and infrastructure.
These costs exist regardless of your production volume.
By activating the unused vertical dimension, we help distribute those fixed costs across a significant larger production volume.
The same infrastructure works harder - supporting more plants, more output and a better return on your investment.
The economics depend on your crop, your greenhouse and your operating model.
That is why we work with you together- to identify where the potential lies and whether an investment makes economic sense.
↓ Lower Production Costs
↓ Shorter Payback Period
What could the economics look like for your operation?
MILESTONES
April 2025
At the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions, we presented our vertical growing technology to an international audience for the first time. Our patented innovation received the Silver Medal from the international jury.
June 2025
Supported by the Innosuisse Innovation Booster programme in collaboration with FHNW. The project investigates consumer perception of vertically grown, soilless food and the factors that influence purchasing decisions.
October 2025
In collaboration with an Austrian agricultural college, we conducted a multi-cycle greenhouse Proof of Concept. The results demonstrated up to 10× more plants per square metre, around 90% less water consumption and reduced pest pressure compared with conventional soil-based cultivation.
February 2026
We showcased a fully operational demonstration system at Tier&Technik 2026. The exhibition generated multiple qualified project enquiries and provided valuable market validation for our vertical growing system.
April 2026
With the INOS funding approval, we are taking the next step towards commercial deployment. Together with Kuhrerhof AG, we are validating our system under real operating conditions and laying the foundation for future commercial installations.
RESSOURCE EFFICIENCY
Closed water and nutrient cycles, combined with the optimal use of natural sunlight, enable resource-efficient production while maximising growing capacity.
The closed-loop irrigation system can significantly reduce water consumption compared with conventional soil-based cultivation.
Nutrients are delivered precisely where they are needed, enabling more efficient use compared with conventional soil-based cultivation.
Natural sunlight remains the primary energy source. Supplemental lighting is used only when available daylight is insufficient for the crop.
More production from existing greenhouse infrastructure and resource-efficient growing methods contribute to a more sustainable food supply.
Closed-loop water systems reduce water consumption and enable more efficient use of freshwater resources.
Reduced water and fertilizer use, combined with the utilisation of existing infrastructure, contribute to more sustainable production.
CROPS & APPLICATIONS
The FrugalTec system is designed to support different crops and growing strategies. Configurations are tailored to your market, existing infrastructure and production goals.
Short growing cycles and high space efficiency make lettuce one of the most attractive crops for vertical greenhouse production.
Fresh herbs are well suited to vertical greenhouse production, combining controlled growing conditions with high space efficiency and premium market value.
The modular system is designed to support additional crops and future applications, making it easy to expand as new opportunities arise.
ABOUT FRUGALTEC
FrugalTec was founded in Eastern Switzerland in 2022 to unlock the unused vertical dimension of existing greenhouses. Behind FrugalTec are three founders with extensive experience in product development, plastics engineering, electronics, software, industrialisation and business development.
Today, we work alongside growers, research partners and funding organisations to develop the next generation of professional greenhouse production.
NETWORK & PARTNERSHIPS
The Greenhouse
Productivity Platform
